The New York Rangers announced on Saturday that they and head coach Gerard Gallant had “mutually agreed to split ways.”
With a 99-46-19 record during the regular season, Gallant, 59, was in his second year with the Rangers. In 2022, after leading them to the Eastern Conference finals, he watched them lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite winning the first two games of the series, the Rangers were disappointing in the 2023 postseason, falling to the rival New Jersey Devils in seven games.
“I want to first thank Gerard for his work and commitment to the Rangers during his time as head coach,” Rangers general manager Chris Drury said in a statement. “After my evaluation of the season and discussions with Gerard, we mutually came to the conclusion that a change would be beneficial for both parties. I wish he and his family all the best in the future. Our search for a new head coach will begin right away.”
Gallant’s contract is until 2024–25, but there was concern following the Rangers’ elimination that his position would be in jeopardy. After acquiring star wings Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko at the trade deadline, the squad entered the playoffs with high hopes. This summer, they are both free agents without restrictions.
Drury didn’t meet with the media on the Rangers’ breakdown day Wednesday. Gallant did and said he had yet to meet with Drury about his status. He was frustrated that his job security was even an issue.
“I believe I had two successful years before to coming here. We lost money as a result of one poor week. I believe there is a problem if I am unable to stand behind my past performance, not simply my record here. It seems to be rather decent. However, people post things online here in New York, and that’s okay “, he remarked.
“It’s unbelievable that I have to respond to some of these queries from the media on my potential termination or layoffs,” Gallant continued. Letdown.
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